The celebration echoed through the halls of the Arashi Clan compound, marking the birth of their new gang, Pandion. Bottles clinked and laughter rang out as the unlikely allies found themselves bonding over drinks. Raxa, surprising everyone present, matched drink for drink with a tolerance that would put seasoned drinkers to shame. The atmosphere was electric with possibility, each person present aware that they were witnessing the formation of something extraordinary.
Larry, less accustomed to such revelry, swayed in his seat until Arashi noticed his deteriorating state. With a knowing smile, Arashi helped the younger man to his feet. "Come on, you've had enough for one night." Larry mumbled something incoherent as Arashi guided him away from the festivities, his footsteps unsteady against the polished wooden floors.
The room grew quieter with their departure, the remaining bottles of sake casting long shadows in the lamplight. Once they were alone, Raxa's eyes fixed on Blond with an intensity that cut through the alcoholic haze. The weight of unspoken words hung between them like a physical presence.
"You did all this for your brother, but does he know that?"
Blond's hand tightened around his glass, his knuckles whitening with the pressure. "I have no idea what you're talking about." His voice was steady, but there was an edge to it that hadn't been there before.
"The moment your magic touched mine, I read every detail of your soul," Raxa said, his voice low and steady. "You became the gang leader known as Bookman because of your brother. The Arashi Clan's custom - the strongest offspring might live while the weak must die. That's what drove you, wasn't it?"
A heavy sigh escaped Blond's lips, the weight of his secrets visible in the slump of his shoulders. "You figured it out, huh?" He met Raxa's gaze, something vulnerable flickering in his eyes. "Don't tell anyone else about this. It's better if some truths remain buried."
"I won't," Raxa promised, raising his glass. The liquid inside caught the light, amber and promising. "Let's drink more to forget it for good."
"Cheers to that," Blond responded, and they continued their drinking well into the early hours, the night wrapping around them like a protective cloak.
Morning came with a vengeance, sunlight streaming through ornate windows. Raxa's eyes snapped open to find himself in an unfamiliar bed, an ornate ceiling swimming into focus above him. The intricate patterns carved into the wood seemed to mock his hangover. Groaning, he dragged himself to the washbasin, splashing cold water on his face repeatedly as if trying to wash away more than just the previous night's excesses.
A knock at the door interrupted his morning routine, the sound reverberating through his tender head. Larry stood there, looking far too cheerful for someone who'd been carried to bed the night before, his youth and resilience evident in his bright eyes and eager stance. "You slept too long! We're training at the training hall."
"Alright, let's go," Raxa agreed, falling into step beside Larry as they navigated the hallways. His stomach growled loudly, reminding him of his missed breakfast, the sound echoing off the wooden walls.
Larry's knowing smile brightened, a touch of pride in his expression. "I know. I have prepared food for you." He gestured to a covered tray he'd been carrying.
"That's my boy!" Raxa grinned, genuinely touched by the thoughtful gesture. The simple act of kindness seemed to cement their growing bond.
The training room bustled with activity when they entered, the space alive with purpose. Arashi was working with Larry on exploring Joker's potential, their movements careful and measured, each gesture precise and intentional. The air crackled with barely contained power as they tested the limits of Larry's abilities. Blond sat cross-legged in a corner, deeply engrossed in a book, his fingers tracing lines of text as if searching for hidden meanings.
'Nerd,' Raxa thought to himself, amused by the contrast between Blond's fierce reputation and his scholarly demeanor.
"I can hear you," Blond said without looking up, a slight smile playing at the corners of his mouth.
"My bad!"
The training session proceeded smoothly, with Larry showing promising progress. His movements grew more confident with each passing hour, the power of Joker responding more readily to his commands. However, their routine was interrupted during lunch by the arrival of a sealed letter bearing the Gamblo family crest. The contents of the message sent Blond into a rare display of anger, his usually composed features twisted with fury.
"What's wrong? Who sent that letter?" Raxa asked, concerned by Blond's reaction. The paper crumpled in Blond's grip as his fingers tightened.
Blond explained the situation - the Gamblo family, a powerful ally with extensive influence and networks, had declared their intention to defect to the Psycho Mania gang. His frustration was evident as he described the family's notorious reputation for being difficult to control, their vast resources making them both valuable and dangerous as allies.
"Let me meet them," Raxa offered, cracking his knuckles. "I'll make sure they understand fear." The confidence in his voice spoke of experience in handling such situations.
"No use," Blond shook his head, his expression grim. "The leader of the Gamblo family has the power of fear itself. It won't work on him no matter how hard you try to outfear him. His ability is absolute in its domain."
"He has control of fear, huh? That's a troublesome opponent indeed." Raxa's eyes narrowed as he considered the implications.
"Then it's perfect to test out the power of Joker," Arashi interjected, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. The suggestion hung in the air, heavy with possibility.
Larry's face paled, the blood draining from his features. "I've never fought with a strong opponent off the go. I don't think I'll be of much help." His hands trembled slightly as he spoke.
"There's a first for everything!" Raxa encouraged, placing a reassuring hand on Larry's shoulder.
"But-"
"No buts!" Arashi cut him off, his voice firm but kind. "You gotta do it for the gang and our sake. This is your chance to prove yourself."
Larry swallowed hard before nodding, steeling himself for what was to come. "Alright." The single word carried the weight of his determination.
A convoy was quickly dispatched to the Gamblo family with a formal challenge - a duel for power against their leader. The response came within hours, a single word printed on expensive paper: "Yes." The simplicity of the reply carried an implicit threat.
The journey to Gamblo territory took an hour, leading them through winding streets to an impressive estate guarded by countless family members. The compound spoke of old money and older power, its traditional architecture masking state-of-the-art security measures. They were escorted through winding corridors to a grand room clearly designed for combat. The space practically hummed with contained power, its walls reinforced with protective spells that shimmered faintly in the afternoon light.
Larry took his position at one end of the room, his hands clenched into fists to hide their trembling. The massive doors opposite him slid open with a thunderous sound that seemed to shake the very foundation of the building, revealing his opponent. The Gamblo family leader's physical presence was overwhelming - a mountain of muscle that made Larry look like a child in comparison, his battle-scarred face speaking of countless victories.
As Larry stared up at his opponent, regret flashed across his face, quick and painful. His body tensed, every instinct screaming at him to run from this impossible challenge. Instead, he forced himself to remain still, shoulders squared despite his fear. The power of Joker stirred within him, responding to the immediate threat, its energy coiling through his body like lightning seeking ground.
The Gamblo leader's eyes gleamed with amusement as he assessed his young challenger, his massive frame casting a shadow that seemed to stretch across the entire room. The air grew heavy with his power, tendrils of fear seeping out to touch everyone present. Several spectators stepped back involuntarily, their faces pale, sweat beading on their foreheads despite the cool air.
Raxa, Blond, and Arashi watched from the sidelines, each maintaining their composure despite the oppressive atmosphere. This fight would determine more than just the loyalty of the Gamblo family - it would prove whether their family as a gang had the strength to survive in this cutthroat world without being under the wing of Pandion.
Larry's shoulders may have trembled, but his feet remained planted firmly on the ground, ready to face whatever came next. The power of Joker pulsed within him, waiting to be unleashed, as the two opponents sized each other up in the tense silence before the storm.